April 17, 2020
Hello Families,
I hope this communication continues to find you healthy and safe.
The team at Health and Transition Services continues to support all of those in our care with the same passion and positive energy as always even in these most challenging times. Although the conditions of how we provide some of our services have changed, the staff have been resilient, flexible, and responsive to whatever has come their way.
We are pleased to continue reporting no cases of COVID-19 in our facility or amongst our staff. As per Manitoba Public Health and Shared Health recommendations, Universal Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) precautions are to be implemented in Long Term Care Facilities the week of April 13. For Health & Transition Services, this will start today, April 17 as we received our bulk shipment of PPE just a few hours ago. This means that all staff coming into direct contact with the people we support will be wearing a procedure mask and eye protection. It may take some time for your loved ones to get used to seeing everyone in masks and glasses all of the time, and we will be working on making this change as comfortable as possible for everyone.
Over the past several days I have witnessed or been part of countless meaningful interactions between staff from all areas and the people they support, as well between colleagues. Although visits and routines continue to be restricted and anxieties can be raised, I want to ensure all families that their loved ones are well cared for at all times. That staff remain connected alongside each person every day. In their connections, commitment and creativity, staff are supporting valuable experiences as they always have.
We know that your loved ones are aware that things have changed. For those who express the need, we are providing the opportunity for people to talk about the challenges we are collectively meeting and how we can cope successfully together.
One person who lives at 440 River Road who has expressed her sadness about the changes has taken it upon herself to create some positive change. For years, this person has a daily administration job in mail delivery. That role and the purpose and meaning attached to the role is on hold because of the current restrictions. To cope, they have been organizing a small sing-a-long session 2-3 times weekly for the past 2 weeks. They invite 2 neighbors and a couple of staff to each session. The time spent together in song allows the person to create meaning for themself, and to create joy for other people. The person closes their group with a prayer, often asking “for restrictions to be lifted as quickly as is possible!” Today, after the sing-a-long, they shared these closing remarks; “Well, everyone, that was good”. Indeed it was. Indeed it is.
Public Health made a small adjustment to the items permitted into a LTC facility to now include single serve beverage containers. This change was timely as it allowed the generous donation of hot coffee from McDonald’s that was initiated and coordinated by the St.Amant Family Association this week. We continue to follow all the guidelines and procedures as directed by Shared Health and will continue to provide any updates that may impact on those we support and their families.
Again if there any questions or concerns you need to be answered, please feel free to contact one of the Resident Care Mangers, Joanne van Dyck, or myself.
We will be in touch again soon…
Kind regards,
Todd MacDonald
Senior Manager
Senior Manager